As the PATRÓN Perfectionists global final event approaches, we’re excited to unveil the panel of judges traveling to Hacienda PATRÓN, along with the new challenges that the 16 global finalists will undertake during the week. 

An inspirational and diverse crowd of leaders from different fields within the global hospitality industry, all sharing a passion for top Tequila and mixology, will be formed of seven judges:

Ivy Mix, co-owner of Leyenda bar & Fiasco! wine & spirits shop, co-founder of Speed Rack, and author of Spirits of Latin America, joining from Brooklyn, NY.

LP O’Brien, award-winning mixologist, winner of Netflix’s Drink Masters, CEO and founder LP Drinks and Focus on Health, joining from Washington DC.

Haba Flores, beverage consultant and tequila aficionados, boasting a bartending experience in some of Guadalajara’s most acclaimed venues such as El Gallo Cantinero, Salon Candela and Matilde Mi Amor.

Sandrae Lawrence, founder and editor of The Cocktail Lovers magazine and podcast, joining from London.

Tara Fougner, co-founder and CEO of Thirsty Media, joining from Miami, FL.

Giulia Cuccurullo, 2020 PATRÓN Perfectionists Global Winner and Head Bartender of Artesian, joining from London.

Harrison Kenney, 2022 PATRÓN Perfectionists Global Winner and GM of Bar Planet, joining from Sydney.

Ana Martorell, chef and founder of restaurants Aida and OXA Cocina única, joining from Mexico City.

This year’s PATRÓN Perfectionists final event includes three unique challenges to test the bartender’s skills, ingenuity, hospitality, timing, and much more. 

With their extraordinary knowledge of flavors and fondness of cocktails, Sandrae Lawrence, Giulia Cuccurullo and chef Ana Martorell will judge Challenge 1: Field to Flavor. Taking place against the captivating backdrop of PATRÓN tequila’s agave farmers’ fields, the challenge brief will be shared with the global finalists on the very day, testing their creativity and their ability to thrive under pressure.

Challenge 2 – The Stories We Share – will ask participants to dig into the rich history of Mexico and find what resonates with them to create an inspiring PATRÓN tequila cocktail encapsulating Mexican culture and based on PATRÓN Silver, Reposado or Añejo. Cocktail recipes and their stories will be prepared and submitted in advance and then presented in front of judges Ivy Mix, LP O’Brien and Harrison Kenney at the event at Hacienda PATRÓN. 

The grand finale will consist of a third challenge named Mi Mesa es Tu Mesa (my table is your table, a take on the popular Spanish expression mi casa es tu casa). The entire panel of seven, accompanied by surprise guest judge Haba Flores, will gather on this last occasion.

Championing hospitality and Mexico’s warmest sense of welcoming, Challenge 3 will task bartenders with transforming the judges’ time at the table into a truly unforgettable experience. Thinking how they can stimulate and impress the senses inside and outside the glass, and leave the judges with a lasting memory, the participants will prepare in advance to present a service of a neat serve of PATRÓN tequila alongside a perfectly paired non-alcoholic side cocktail.

The PATRÓN Perfectionists global final event will take place at Hacienda PATRÓN March 24 – 30, 2023 and included 16 talented global finalists. Click here to learn more about this year’s finalists. To stay up to date with the event and upcoming news, follow Academia PATRÓN on Instagram and at academiapatron.com. There’s much more excitement on the horizon!